Tennessee Senate to vote on optional 'In God We Trust' tags

April 18, 2017 at 1:00 a.m. | Updated April 18, 2017 at 2:43 a.m.

by Associated Press

Tennessee has used this standard license plate since 2006. Some legislators want to add the words "In God We Trust" to a redesigned standard plate.
Tennessee has used this standard license plate since 2006. Some legislators want to add the words "In God We Trust" to a redesigned standard plate.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The full state Senate is poised to vote on a bill that would allow Tennessee drivers to choose license plates with the phrase "In God We Trust" on them.

The Senate Transportation Committee voted 9-0 in favor of sending the bill to a floor vote on Monday after Republican Sen. Paul Bailey of Sparta rescinded a provision that would have made the phrase mandatory for all tags.

State Attorney General Herbert Slatery had opined that requiring "In God We Trust" on all plates would likely violate free speech protections and the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

The companion bill is scheduled to be to be heard in the House Transportation Committee on Tuesday.

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